Canadian Poncho

350 Engine Detailing

Canadian Poncho said
May 10, 2008

I figured I'd post this question here since it applies to all models. Were Chevy 350's painted with the manifolds already bolted on? I thought they were but my search for photo's of a concours 350 hasn't been succesful. The 350 in my Laurentian does show signs of some orange on the manifolds, but the engine could have been repainted in the past. This GM photo shows a big block with painted manifolds:

Other photos show bare manifolds with overspray on the intake and bypass hose. I'm sure a small block would be painted the same as a big block. I'm sure I've seen some with just overspray on the manifolds (may have been a Mopar engine?). Anyone know what's correct?

Todd

ak 67sd said
May 10, 2008

I dont know if you will get a definitive answer... i think it depends which plant assembled the engine... Flint engines had the manifolds put on after paint, Tonawanda engines had the manifolds on... (for BBC's) if they were painted over it would have burnt off pretty quick and come off when the manifolds rusted... are you thinking of doing an 'overspray' restoration? other quirky things like the timing cover not having paint behind the water pump (on short water pump engine)...parts of the engine were covered or masked off, like the water pump nose, fuel pump, dist. hole, and vin pad in front of the RH head. chrome valve covers and alum. intake were covered and would have some paint on the edges... andrew

Canadian Poncho said
May 10, 2008

Well, I'm doing my intake swap and although I am not looking to win trophies, I figured since the intake is all shiny and painted, I should do as much of the block that I can. I wasn't sure if I should mask the manifolds or let some overspray hit them. Were Canadian Pontiac engines made in Flint or assembled in Oshawa?